Parkland County public meetings in 2021
35 substantive meetings from 2021, with official agendas or minutes and plain-English summaries.
Council
Council unanimously approved the 2022 Operating Program Budget with $21.7M in revenues, $86.6M in expenditures, and a $64.8M municipal tax requirement. The 2022 Capital Budget was also approved with $31.7M in expenditures and a $100,000 tax requirement. Council directed administration to add uncompleted 2021 projects to the 2022 budget and to finalize the 2022 Tax Rate Bylaw in April 2022.
- Approved 2022 Operating Program Budget with $64,849,700 municipal tax requirement (unanimous)
- Approved 2022 Operating Project Budget with $733,000 municipal tax requirement (unanimous)
- Approved 2022 Capital Budget with $100,000 municipal tax requirement (unanimous)
- Approved 2022 Statement of Operations (unanimous)
- Directed administration to add uncompleted 2021 projects to 2022 budget (unanimous)
- Directed finalization of 2022 Tax Rate Bylaw for April 2022 approval (unanimous)
- Approved letter of support for RCMP Police and Crisis Team at Drayton Valley Detachment (unanimous)
- Approved adding WAVES as additional named insured on County insurance policy (unanimous)
Council
Council received the 2023-2027 Operating and Capital Plan for information and gave several directions for the 2022 budget, including adding two safety codes FTE staff with net zero tax impact, adding one FTE for Land Use Bylaw optimization, reinstating full community association insurance coverage, and funding the 2022 Organizational Review. Council also directed administration to develop plans to reinstate the Municipal Planning Commission and amend the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Bylaw by February 28, 2022, and to create a Wabamun focus group and review communication priorities. All motions carried unanimously.
- Received 2023-2027 Operating and Capital Plan for information (unanimous)
- Directed inclusion of 2 safety codes FTE staff in 2022 budget with net zero tax impact (unanimous)
- Directed inclusion of 1 additional FTE for Land Use Bylaw optimization, removing temporary position (unanimous)
- Reinstated full coverage of community association insurance (unanimous)
- Directed plan to reinstate Municipal Planning Commission by Feb 28, 2022 (unanimous)
- Directed plan to amend Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Bylaw to include Council representation by Feb 28, 2022 (unanimous)
- Directed funding for 2022 Organizational Review in 2022 budget (unanimous)
- Directed Wabamun focus group and communication priorities review (unanimous)
Council
The meeting was a budget presentation session with no formal decisions made. Council heard presentations on the 2022 budgets for Corporate and Shared Services, Council, and Agriculture, Community, and Protective Services, covering areas like strategic services, information services, procurement, fire, community, and enforcement services. The agenda was adopted unanimously, but no budget approvals or other substantive actions were taken.
- Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
Council
Council met for budget presentations only; no budget was approved or denied. Administration presented the 2022 Budget Overview, Operations Services (Engineering, Road Maintenance & Drainage, Public Works, Planning and Development), and the Chief Administrative Office budgets. The agenda was adopted unanimously. The meeting was recessed and reconvened multiple times, and closed at 4:30 p.m.
- Adopted the December 6, 2021 Budget Presentation agenda unanimously
- Received the 2022 Budget Overview presentation
- Received the 2022 Operations Services budget presentation (Engineering Services)
- Received the 2022 Operations Services budget presentation (Road Maintenance & Drainage)
- Received the 2022 Operations Services budget presentation (Public Works, Planning and Development)
- Received the 2022 Chief Administrative Office budget presentation (Strategic Initiatives, Economic Diversification, Employee Services, Executive Administration)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole received several updates and presentations, all for information only, and voted unanimously to provide a letter of support to the Meridian Housing Foundation for its Spruce Grove development project. A notice of motion was presented to set the Terms of Reference and budget for an Organization Review at the December 14, 2021 Council meeting. The Committee also went into closed session to discuss economic diversification matters.
- Received RCMP update for information (unanimous)
- Received Agricultural Service Board Annual Update for information (unanimous)
- Received Whistleblower Policy C-HR30 for information and scheduled a workshop to review it (unanimous)
- Received Meridian Housing Foundation presentation for information (unanimous)
- Approved letter of support to Meridian Housing Foundation for Spruce Grove development project (unanimous)
- Received Project UNITE Update for information (unanimous)
- Received Strategic Planning Session Overview for information (unanimous)
- Received Enforcement Services Update for information (unanimous)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole received the Q3 2021 Corporate and Financial Update and the September 30, 2021 Financial Statements for information, as presented. It also received the Truth and Reconciliation Calls for Action Overview and the 2022 Utility Rates report (including the Hamlet of Wabamun) for information. The vandalism update for the Kapasiwin Transfer Station was postponed to the first Committee of the Whole meeting in January 2022. The Mayor's Report was received, with a direction that future Mayor's Reports be presented at Council meetings.
- Received Q3 2021 Corporate and Financial Update and Sept 30, 2021 Financial Statements (unanimous)
- Received Truth and Reconciliation Calls for Action Overview (unanimous)
- Received 2022 Utility Rates report including Hamlet of Wabamun (unanimous)
- Postponed Kapasiwin Transfer Station vandalism update to January 2022 meeting (unanimous)
- Received Mayor's Report and directed future reports to Council meetings (unanimous)
- Received Rural Municipalities of Alberta Contact Newsletter (unanimous)
- Adopted agenda and consent agenda (unanimous)
Council
Council approved a motion directing administration to work with Council to commence a procurement process for an Executive Search Firm to assist in recruiting a Chief Administrative Officer, with an amending motion prioritizing the initiation of a candidate profile. The motion carried unanimously. Council also rescheduled the December 7 Committee of the Whole meeting to November 30, scheduled an additional 2022 Budget Presentation for December 6, and received the Tri-Municipal Regional Plan Overview for information. The meeting included a closed session for governance and future planning.
- Approved CAO recruitment procurement process with candidate profile focus (unanimous)
- Rescheduled Dec 7 Committee of the Whole to Nov 30, 9:00 a.m. (unanimous)
- Scheduled additional 2022 Budget Presentation for Dec 6, 9:00 a.m. (unanimous)
- Received Tri-Municipal Regional Plan Overview for information (unanimous)
- Adopted consent agenda including minutes and newsletters (unanimous)
- Received committee reports for information (unanimous)
- Convened closed session under MGA Section 197 (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole met on November 2, 2021, and unanimously approved the agenda and consent agenda, which included adopting the September 7, 2021 minutes and receiving two informational newsletters. The committee received three informational updates: the Project Management Office (PMO) update, the Villeneuve Landing Network update, and the Economic Diversification update, all carried unanimously. No public input was offered, and the committee held a closed session to discuss economic diversification matters, reverting to regular session afterward. No substantive decisions were made; all items were received for information only.
- Adopted November 2, 2021 agenda (unanimous)
- Adopted September 7, 2021 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous)
- Received Rural Municipalities of Alberta Contact Newsletter for information (unanimous)
- Received Federation of Canadian Municipalities Update for information (unanimous)
- Received Project Management Office Update for information (unanimous)
- Received Villeneuve Landing Network Update for information (unanimous)
- Received Economic Diversification Update for information (unanimous)
- Convened closed session under MGA Section 197 and FOIP Sections 23, 16, 24 (unanimous)
Council
At its organizational meeting, Council unanimously adopted the agenda, acknowledged the Council Code of Conduct Bylaw, and approved a rotating deputy mayor schedule for the four-year term. It established regular meeting dates, budget meeting dates, and the 2022 organizational meeting, and approved numerous committee and board appointments, including an amendment placing the Mayor on the Collaborative Economic Diversification Committee. All motions carried unanimously.
- Adopted meeting agenda (unanimous)
- Acknowledged Council Code of Conduct Bylaw 2018-05 (unanimous)
- Approved deputy mayor appointments for four-year term (unanimous)
- Set regular Council meetings for second and fourth Tuesday monthly (unanimous)
- Scheduled 2022 budget presentations for Dec 7-8, 2021 (unanimous)
- Scheduled 2022 organizational meeting for Oct 25, 2022 (unanimous)
- Approved Committee of the Whole meeting dates with amendment (unanimous)
- Approved committee and board appointments, with Mayor on Collaborative Economic Diversification Committee (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted (1 roll-call vote)
Council
Council unanimously gave first reading to Bylaw 2021-22, which would amend the Land Use Bylaw to allow solar farms, and scheduled a public hearing for December 14, 2021. The meeting also included routine approvals of minutes, committee reports, and informational updates from the RMA and FCM.
- Adopted October 26, 2021 agenda (unanimous)
- Approved September 28, 2021 Council minutes (unanimous)
- Received committee reports for information (unanimous)
- Gave first reading to Bylaw 2021-22 Solar Farm Amendment (unanimous)
- Scheduled public hearing for Bylaw 2021-22 on Dec 14, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. (unanimous)
- Received RMA Board nominations and elections policy for information (unanimous)
- Received RMA newsletter update for information (unanimous)
- Received FCM update for information (unanimous)
Council
Council approved the 2022 Not for Profit Organization Grant Funding Allocation of $76,542.64 for inclusion in the 2022 budget. It also approved capital cost share requests for neighboring municipalities, a $25,000 grant for the Magnolia Community Club, and a three-year Microsoft enterprise agreement renewal. The Kapasiwin Transfer Station vandalism item was tabled to a mid-November meeting.
- Approved $76,542.64 for 2022 Not for Profit Organization Grant Funding Allocation (unanimous)
- Approved up to $29,317.65 for City of Spruce Grove 2022 Capital Cost Share (unanimous)
- Approved up to $3,850.00 for Town of Stony Plain 2022 Capital Cost Share (unanimous)
- Approved up to $804.39 for Town of Drayton Valley 2022 Capital Cost Share (unanimous)
- Approved up to $44,750.00 for Yellowhead County 2022 Capital Cost Share (unanimous)
- Approved $25,000 Magnolia Community Club Sustainability Grant - Major Capital (unanimous)
- Directed administration to renew Microsoft enterprise agreement for three-year term (unanimous)
- Tabled Kapasiwin Transfer Station vandalism item to mid-November meeting (unanimous)
Council
Council acknowledged that a letter to Minister Shandro calling for a vaccine passport was written without Council's discussion or direction, and voted 5-1 to send a letter under the Mayor's signature informing the minister's department of that fact. Council also approved the Evergreens Foundation's strategic and capital plan for new seniors' supportive housing in Wildwood and Victor Lake (5-1), approved developer-funded street lights at Brenmar Estates (5-1), and unanimously approved a conceptual scheme in Acheson Zone 7. Three appointments to the Alternative Land Use Services Partnership Advisory Committee were approved on consent.
- Acknowledged that the vaccine passport letter to Minister Shandro was sent without Council's approval (unanimous)
- Approved sending a letter under the Mayor's signature to Minister Shandro informing his department of the lack of Council approval (5-1)
- Approved Evergreens Foundation's strategic and capital plan for seniors' supportive housing in Wildwood and Victor Lake (5-1)
- Approved installation of street lights at Brenmar Estates, paid by the developer (5-1)
- Approved the Conceptual Scheme within Acheson Zone 7, Section 28-52-26-W4M (unanimous)
- Received the Reimbursement of Front-Ended Off-Site Levy Infrastructure report for information (unanimous)
- Approved appointments of Grant Taillieu, Jesse Northcott, and Adrian Vanderwell to the Alternative Land Use Services Partnership Advisory Committee (consent)
- Adopted the August 24, 2021 Council Meeting Minutes (consent)
🗳️ How they voted — 3 divided votes
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole met on September 7, 2021, with three members present. It unanimously approved the agenda and consent agenda, which included tabling four matters (Capital and Operating Cost Sharing, Acceptance of Potentially Contaminated Soils, Multi Parcel Country Residential Subdivision Approval, and Agricultural Impact Assessment) to the February 1, 2022 meeting. The committee received several reports for information, including the Evergreens Foundation Capital Plan (4-1), Q2 2021 Corporate and Financial Update, Service Connection Requirement for Water and Wastewater Servicing Policy, and a public engagement report on chickens on parcels less than two acres. One resident spoke during public input, thanking staff for train whistle cessation work and raising concerns about rooster crowing and chickens on small parcels.
- Adopted meeting agenda unanimously
- Approved consent agenda, tabling four items to Feb 1, 2022 meeting
- Received Evergreens Foundation Capital Plan for information (4-1)
- Received Q2 2021 Corporate and Financial Update and June 30, 2021 Financial Statements for information (unanimous)
- Received Service Connection Requirement for Water and Wastewater Servicing Policy report for information (unanimous)
- Received Chickens on Parcels Less than Two Acres report for information (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Council
Council unanimously approved the disposition of a portion of municipal reserve Lot R1 in Gainford, despite an adjacent landowner's traffic concerns. A solar farm bylaw amendment received first reading but was tabled to October 26, 2021. Council also discontinued appointments to two regional committees and adopted the consent agenda.
- Approved municipal reserve disposition in Gainford (unanimous)
- Tabled solar farm bylaw amendment to October 26, 2021 (unanimous)
- Discontinued Council appointments to Jurisdictional Collaboration Committee (unanimous)
- Discontinued Council appointments to Regional Plan Committee (unanimous)
- Adopted July 13, 2021 Council minutes (unanimous)
- Received Rural Municipalities of Alberta newsletter for information (unanimous)
- Received Federation of Canadian Municipalities update for information (unanimous)
Council
Council unanimously passed Bylaw 2021-21, repealing Wabamun-area bylaws, and rescinded 32 related policies via the consent agenda. It also authorized special ballots for the 2021 election, approved $147,390 from restricted surplus for public works projects, and scheduled a public hearing for a municipal reserve disposition in Gainford.
- Passed Bylaw 2021-21 repealing Wabamun bylaws (unanimous)
- Rescinded 32 Wabamun policies including R:1, R:2, R:7, R:9, R:10, R:11, L:14, L:15, A:3, A:6, A:7.1, A:7.1.1, A:8, A:9, A:11, A:12, A:13, A:14, A:15, A:16, A:17, L:3, L:5, L:11, L:12, L:16, L:17, PW1:1, PW 2.1, PW 2.2, PW XX, U:1 (unanimous)
- Cancelled August 17, 2021 Committee of the Whole meeting (unanimous)
- Re-appointed Doug Horner to Edmonton Regional Airports Authority Board for four-year term starting Jan 1, 2022 (unanimous)
- Authorized use of Special Ballots for 2021 Election (unanimous)
- Approved $147,390 from Restricted Surplus for 2021 emergent Public Works projects (unanimous)
- Scheduled public hearing for Aug 24, 2021 on Municipal Reserve Disposition application in Gainford (unanimous)
- Received TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre 2021 Mid-Year Update for information (unanimous)
Council
Council approved several funding requests for water infrastructure, including $642,600 for a waterline connection to the Acheson Zone 4 Reservoir, $700,000 for the Walker Lake Water Loop, and up to $1,780,000 for the WILD Phase 3 Entwistle Extension. They also dissolved historical restricted surplus accounts from the Village of Wabamun, transferring $750,000 to the Hamlet Sustainability Restricted Surplus and approving $134,000 for community projects. All motions carried unanimously.
- Approved dissolution of Wabamun historical restricted surplus accounts (unanimous)
- Approved transfer of $750,000 to Hamlet Sustainability Restricted Surplus (unanimous)
- Approved $134,000 from Hamlet Sustainability Restricted Surplus for Wabamun projects (unanimous)
- Approved $642,600 for waterline connection to Acheson Zone 4 Reservoir (unanimous)
- Approved $700,000 additional funding for Walker Lake Water Loop (unanimous)
- Approved up to $1,780,000 for WILD Phase 3 Entwistle Extension (unanimous)
Council
Council approved a $497,632 funding request for the Edmonton Global Air Service Opportunity Fund, to be paid from Future Operating Restricted surplus over three years. The motion passed 4-2, with Mayor Shaigec and Council Members Jensen, Kobasiuk, and Hollands in favor, and Council Members McNab and Melnyk against. Council also approved a $1,000,000 capital cost share for the Town of Devon's multi-use recreational facility, and passed several bylaws including repeals of Wabamun bylaws and the temporary mandatory face coverings bylaw.
- Approved $497,632 Edmonton Global Air Service Opportunity Fund contribution (4-2)
- Approved $1,000,000 Town of Devon Major Capital Cost Share for recreational facility (unanimous)
- Approved 2022 Budget Philosophy (unanimous)
- Received Draft Five Year Financial Plan and Tax Rate Analysis (unanimous)
- Gave final reading to Bylaw 2021-18 repealing Wabamun bylaws (unanimous)
- Gave final reading to Bylaw 2021-19 repealing temporary mandatory face coverings (unanimous)
- Gave final reading to Bylaw 2021-17 Legend Estates Overlay Amendment (unanimous)
- Gave final reading to Bylaw 2021-20 2022 Fees and Charges (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole received several informational updates, including the Project UNITE update, Wabamun Policies Rescindment presentation, Q1 2021 financial statements, and a COVID-19 election update. It also directed administration to work with the Parkland County Library Board to submit a budget request for the 2022 budget process. All motions carried unanimously.
- Adopted May 4, 2021 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous)
- Received Project UNITE update for information (unanimous)
- Received Wabamun Policies Rescindment presentation for information (unanimous)
- Received March 31, 2021 financial statements for information (unanimous)
- Received Parkland County Library Board presentation for information (unanimous)
- Directed administration to work with Library Board on 2022 budget request (unanimous)
- Received COVID-19 election update for information (unanimous)
Council
Council approved a $25,000 Major Capital grant for the Wabamun Area Volunteer Entertainment Society (WAVES), funded by the Recreation Facilities Restricted Surplus, after hearing a public delegation from WAVES representative Debbie Harris. Council also approved a Satellite Internet Pilot Project of up to $70,000 in a 5-1 vote, with Mayor Shaigec opposed. In closed session, Council approved establishing a Reclamation Project for the Transfer Station and received a report on the WILD Regional Water Services Commission Phase 3 Entwistle Extension for information.
- Approved $25,000 Major Capital grant to WAVES, funded by Recreation Facilities Restricted Surplus (unanimous)
- Approved Satellite Internet Pilot Project up to $70,000 (5-1, Mayor opposed)
- Approved establishment of a Reclamation Project for Transfer Station (unanimous)
- Received WILD Regional Water Services Commission Phase 3 Entwistle Extension report for information (unanimous)
- Adopted May 25, 2021 Council meeting minutes (unanimous)
- Authorized electronic signature of May 25, 2021 minutes per Municipal Government Act (unanimous)
- Received Rural Municipalities of Alberta Contact Newsletter for information (unanimous)
- Received Federation of Canadian Municipalities Update and Committee Reports for information (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Council
Council unanimously approved the Meridian Housing Foundation borrowing up to $2,100,000 over 20 years to purchase office space in Stony Plain. They also approved $35,000 in additional funding for the Agronomic and Sustainability Program, and approved street light installation at Moonlight Bay and Wabamun Beach funded through a Local Improvement. Several policies were rescinded, and a public hearing for Bylaw 2021-17 was scheduled for June 22, 2021.
- Approved Meridian Housing Foundation borrowing up to $2,100,000 over 20 years for office space purchase (unanimous)
- Approved $35,000 additional operating expense and grant revenue for Agronomic and Sustainability Program (unanimous)
- Approved street light installation at Moonlight Bay and Wabamun Beach with capital costs funded through Local Improvement (unanimous)
- Rescinded Council Norms and Values Policy C-AD20 (unanimous)
- Rescinded Council Orientation Policy C-AD18 (unanimous)
- Rescinded Code of Conduct for Council and Public Committee Members Policy C-AD21 (unanimous)
- Scheduled public hearing for Bylaw 2021-17 (Legend Estates Overlay) on June 22, 2021 at 9:30 a.m. (unanimous)
- Appointed Mayor Shaigec to Collaborative Economic Development Oversight Committee (unanimous)
Council
Council gave first reading to two road closure bylaws for a portion of Railway Avenue, with Bylaw 2021-09 passing 4-1. It also repealed several agricultural policies, approved a $14,687 grant for the Hamlet of Wabamun, and passed final readings for two Wabamun-related bylaws. A motion to direct administration to prepare a report on five policy areas for the September 7 Committee of the Whole meeting carried 3-2.
- Approved first reading of Bylaw 2021-08 (road closure for sale) unanimously
- Approved first reading of Bylaw 2021-09 (road closure for lease) 4-1
- Rescinded 11 agricultural policies (unanimous)
- Approved $14,687 grant for Hamlet of Wabamun (unanimous)
- Passed Bylaw 2021-15 (repeal of Wabamun bylaws) final reading (unanimous)
- Passed Bylaw 2021-16 (Wabamun fees and charges) final reading (unanimous)
- Approved addition of gazebo and shipping container to Hycrest Place license (unanimous)
- Directed administration to prepare report on five policy areas for September 7 meeting (3-2)
🗳️ How they voted — 2 divided votes
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole directed Administration to review the street lighting request for Moonlight Bay and Wabamun Beach subdivisions and report financial impacts and cost-sharing to the May 25, 2021 Council meeting. All other agenda items were procedural or informational, including adoption of minutes, acceptance of newsletters, and receiving updates from RCMP, agricultural award, and various community organizations. No other substantive decisions were made.
- Directed Administration to review street lighting request for Moonlight Bay and Wabamun Beach and report to May 25 Council meeting (unanimous)
- Adopted April 20, 2021 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous)
- Approved electronic signature authorization for April 20 minutes per MGA Section 213 (unanimous)
- Accepted Rural Municipalities of Alberta Contact Newsletter for information (unanimous)
- Received Federation of Canadian Municipalities update for information (unanimous)
- Received RCMP update from Parkland, Evansburg, and Drayton Valley detachments (unanimous)
- Received 100 Year Agricultural Award presentation for Scheideman Family (unanimous)
- Received work plan presentations for Agricultural Service Board, Community Sustainability Committee, and Economic Diversification Committee (unanimous)
Council
Parkland County Council passed several bylaws, including the 2021 tax rate, public transportation utility, Acheson water special tax, and repeal of Wabamun bylaws. Council also authorized becoming an intervenor in TransAlta linear property assessment complaints with up to $200,000 in funding. A motion to approve borrowing for Meridian Housing Foundation office space failed on a tie vote, but a follow-up motion requiring conditions was approved.
- Approved Bylaw 2021-14 (2021 Tax Rate) - third and final reading (unanimous)
- Approved Bylaw 2021-11 (Public Transportation Utility) - third and final reading (unanimous)
- Approved Bylaw 2021-12 (Acheson Water Special Tax) - third and final reading (unanimous)
- Approved Bylaw 2021-13 (Repeal of Wabamun Bylaws) - third and final reading (unanimous)
- Authorized intervenor status in TransAlta Linear Property Assessment Complaints (unanimous)
- Approved up to $200,000 from Long Term Sustainability Restricted Surplus for intervenor costs (unanimous)
- Approved Bylaw 2021-07 (Redistricting NE & Pt. SW 34-52-26-W4M) - third and final reading (unanimous)
- Approved Bylaw 2021-03 (Road Closure for Lease) - first reading (5-0, 1 abstention)
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole met and unanimously adopted the agenda and consent items, including prior meeting minutes. They received informational updates from the Edmonton International Airport, on Project UNITE, and on Community Leagues, all carried unanimously. No substantive decisions were made; all items were for information only.
- Adopted April 20, 2021 agenda (unanimous)
- Adopted April 6, 2021 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous)
- Authorized electronic signature of April 6, 2021 minutes (unanimous)
- Received Rural Municipalities of Alberta Contact Newsletter for information (unanimous)
- Received Federation of Canadian Municipalities update for information (unanimous)
- Received Edmonton International Airport Annual Update for information (unanimous)
- Received Project UNITE update for information (unanimous)
- Received Community League update for information (unanimous)
Council
Council approved the 2021 Final Operating and Capital Budgets, increasing the municipal tax levy by $1.487M and $1.000M respectively. Bylaw 2021-04 (Mini Storage Amendment) was passed on final reading, despite a failed amendment to remove mini storage as a discretionary use in the AGG district. Bylaw 2021-05 (Walker Lake Water Loop borrowing) and Bylaw 2021-10 (repeal of Wabamun bylaws) were also passed. A letter to the province and RMA about mill rate and tax concerns was approved.
- Approved 2021 Final Operating Budget, increasing tax levy by $1.487M (unanimous)
- Approved 2021 Final Capital Budget, increasing tax levy by $1.000M (unanimous)
- Passed Bylaw 2021-04 Mini Storage Amendment to Land Use Bylaw (5-1)
- Failed amendment to remove Mini Storage as discretionary use in AGG district (3-3)
- Passed Bylaw 2021-05 Infrastructure Borrowing for Walker Lake Water Loop (unanimous)
- Passed Bylaw 2021-10 Repeal of Wabamun Bylaws (unanimous)
- Approved letter to province and RMA on mill rate and tax concerns (unanimous)
- Approved Pilot Traffic Safety Initiative (unanimous)
🗳️ How they voted — 3 divided votes
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole received several informational reports and directed Administration to present on the Canadian Carmelite Charitable Society development at the April 13 Council meeting. Public input on the development was heard, with both support and opposition expressed. All motions were carried unanimously.
- Adopted agenda with addition of verbal presentation on Carmelite development (unanimous)
- Adopted consent agenda including March 2 minutes and informational updates (unanimous)
- Received Hamlet Reinvestment Strategy Update for information (unanimous)
- Received Conway Global Branding and Marketing Strategy Final Report for information (unanimous)
- Directed Administration to present on Carmelite development at April 13 Council meeting (unanimous)
- Received Small Agricultural Holdings Viability Scan Final Report for information (unanimous)
- Received Agricultural Policies Rescindment presentation for information (unanimous)
- Convened closed session for economic diversification matters (unanimous)
Council
Council unanimously approved using up to $540,000 of the Municipal Operating Support Transfer (MOST) Grant in 2021. It also endorsed a national three-digit crisis line initiative and directed administration to send support letters. Bylaw 2021-06 repealing Wabamun bylaws passed all readings. A public hearing was scheduled for April 27 on a redistricting bylaw.
- Approved utilization of up to $540,000 of the Municipal Operating Support Transfer (MOST) Grant in 2021.
- Endorsed a national 3-digit crisis line initiative and directed letters of support to federal and local officials.
- Gave first, second, third, and final reading to Bylaw 2021-06, repealing Wabamun bylaws.
- Gave first reading to Bylaw 2021-07 (redistricting) and scheduled a public hearing for April 27, 2021.
- Approved appointments to the 2021 Assessment Review Board, including Richard Barham as Clerk and Raymond Ralph as Chair.
- Authorized sale of two tax forfeiture properties based on current market value.
- Approved signing a Memorandum of Understanding for Collaborative Economic Development (5-1 vote).
- Adopted the March 9, 2021 meeting minutes and authorized electronic signature.
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Council
Council held a public hearing on Bylaw 2021-03, which would close a road for lease purposes, but did not vote on it. Instead, the hearing was recessed and will reconvene on April 27, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Council also received updates on the Council Strategy Session, the Alberta Provincial Budget 2021-2022, and committee reports, all for information only.
- Adopted the March 9, 2021 agenda as presented.
- Adopted the February 23, 2021 Council meeting minutes as presented.
- Approved authorization of electronic signature of the February 23, 2021 minutes.
- Received the Rural Municipalities of Alberta Contact Newsletter for information.
- Received the Federation of Canadian Municipalities update for information.
- Received the Council Strategy Session Update for information.
- Received the Alberta Provincial Budget 2021-2022 update for information.
- Received the Committee Reports for information.
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole received three informational reports: a Project Management Office update, a Parkland County COVID-19 update, and an Irrigation Feasibility Study Final Report. All were received for information as presented, with no decisions made beyond accepting the reports. The meeting also adopted the agenda and consent items, including prior minutes and two newsletters.
- Adopted the March 2, 2021 agenda as presented.
- Approved the February 16, 2021 Committee of the Whole minutes.
- Received the Rural Municipalities of Alberta Contact Newsletter for information.
- Received the Federation of Canadian Municipalities update for information.
- Received the Project Management Office update for information.
- Received the Parkland County COVID-19 update for information.
- Received the Irrigation Feasibility Study Final Report for information.
Council
Council approved the Communications Policy C-CO01 as presented and rescinded the Media Response Policy, after several proposed amendments by the mayor failed. Council approved the Tri Municipal Leisure Facility Corporation's request to use $531,774 from its Operations Reserve to fund its 2020 operating deficit. Council also approved a review of the Land Use Bylaw to support business on smaller agricultural parcels, and gave first reading to two bylaws.
- Approved Communications Policy C-CO01 as presented; rescinded Media Response Policy C-AD08.
- Approved $531,774 from Operations Reserve to fund TransAlta Tri Leisure Centre 2020 deficit.
- Approved review of Land Use Bylaw for amendments supporting business on smaller agricultural parcels.
- Gave first reading to Bylaw 2021-04 (Mini Storage Amendment); public hearing set for April 13, 2021.
- Gave first reading to Bylaw 2021-05 (Infrastructure Borrowing - Walker Lake Water Loop).
- Approved use of up to $2,750,000 of MOST grant in 2020.
- Approved transfer of $9,039,945 to Restricted Surplus and $10,300 allowance increase.
- Directed administration to execute two multi-year contracts for Entwistle Fibre services.
🗳️ How they voted — 1 divided vote
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole met virtually and received several informational presentations, including updates on Project UNITE, the Tri-Regional Champions Table, the Wabamun Bylaw and Policy Review Process, and the One Parkland Service Excellence Strategy. No substantive decisions were made; all items were received for information only, and no public input was offered.
- Adopted February 16, 2021 agenda (unanimous)
- Approved consent agenda including Feb 2 minutes and two information items (unanimous)
- Received Project UNITE update for information (unanimous)
- Received Tri-Regional Champions Table presentation for information (unanimous)
- Received Wabamun Bylaw and Policy Review Process presentation for information (unanimous)
- Received One Parkland Service Excellence Strategy update for information (unanimous)
Council
Council gave final reading to Bylaw 2021-02, amending ward boundaries, and approved electronic signature authorization. The Communications Policy C-CO01 was tabled to the February 23, 2021 meeting. Council also directed administration to apply for Universal Broadband Fund grant funding for high-speed internet in the western region, and supported 2021 Census awareness.
- Adopted Bylaw 2021-02 Ward Boundaries Amendment (unanimous)
- Approved electronic signature authorization for Bylaw 2021-02 (unanimous)
- Tabled Communications Policy C-CO01 to February 23, 2021 (unanimous)
- Directed administration to submit Universal Broadband Fund grant application (unanimous)
- Supported 2021 Census community awareness and job opportunities (unanimous)
- Cancelled $1,095.52 of 2020 municipal taxes on Roll 385027 due to burn down (unanimous)
- Rescheduled March 23, 2021 Council meeting to 2:00 p.m. (unanimous)
- Adopted January 26 and February 3, 2021 meeting minutes (unanimous)
Council
The special council meeting was largely procedural, with the only substantive decision being unanimous approval of variances to Policy C-PD01 Development Agreement Security Requirements, as presented. The council also adopted the agenda and convened and exited a closed session to discuss a development matter.
- Adopted February 3, 2021 agenda (unanimous)
- Convened closed session at 3:34 p.m. (unanimous)
- Reverted to regular session at 4:01 p.m. (unanimous)
- Approved variances to Policy C-PD01 Development Agreement Security Requirements (unanimous)
Committee of the Whole
The Committee of the Whole met virtually and received several informational updates. No substantive decisions were made; all agenda items were received for information only. The committee approved the consent agenda, which included adopting the December 15, 2020 minutes and receiving two newsletters.
- Adopted December 15, 2020 Committee of the Whole minutes (unanimous)
- Approved electronic signature authorization for December 15, 2020 minutes (unanimous)
- Received Rural Municipalities of Alberta Contact Newsletter for information (unanimous)
- Received Federation of Canadian Municipalities Update for information (unanimous)
- Received Wabamun Dissolution Update for information (unanimous)
- Received River Valley Alliance presentation for information (unanimous)
- Received Information Services update for information (unanimous)
Council
Council approved the Budget Management Policy C-FI001 as presented (5-1), after rejecting an amendment that would have changed budget amendment authority limits (2-4). Council also gave final reading to Bylaw 2021-01 (candidate nomination deposit amendment) and Bylaw 2020-16 (use classification amendment to Land Use Bylaw), both unanimously. Two grant applications were approved for submission to the Alberta Community Partnership: $200,000 for intermunicipal collaboration and $250,000 plus $950,000 for municipal restructuring.
- Approved Budget Management Policy C-FI001 as presented (5-1)
- Rejected amendment to Budget Management Policy changing budget amendment authority (2-4)
- Gave third and final reading to Bylaw 2021-01 candidate nomination deposit amendment (unanimous)
- Gave third and final reading to Bylaw 2020-16 use classification amendment (unanimous)
- Approved $200,000 Alberta Community Partnership intermunicipal collaboration grant application (unanimous)
- Approved $250,000 + $950,000 municipal restructuring grant application (unanimous)
- Approved 2021 ALUS Partnership Advisory Committee Terms of Reference (unanimous)
- Approved Project Funding Policy C-FI002 and Budget Contingency Policy C-FI003 (unanimous)